EVALUATION OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR PAKISTAN

Objective: To examine mitigation measures in Azad, Jammu and Kashmir and compare their effectiveness to rest of Pakistan. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Province of Azad, Jammu and Kashmir, from Mar to Aug 2020. Methodology: This study was conducted by Provincial Disease Surveillance Department of World HealthOrganization at Azad, Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarabad after getting approval from Health Department.Data were collected from different hospitals of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as per a specially designedproforma. Results: No significant variation from national averages was observed, adapting mitigation measures andlockdown were success in decreasing epidemic curve. Conclusion: The easing of the lockdown policy resulted in widespread outbreak in the province and noncompliance with infection control best practices by members of the community, similar to rest of Pakistan.